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Seven Things to Do in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. You can explore thousands of years of culture here, while making your way through historic temples and monasteries that belong to Hindus and Buddhists alike.

Photo: Jorge Láscar@flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Basantapur Durbar Square

Through the 19th century, Basantapur Durbar Square was the playground of the Nepalese monarchy. Due to natural disasters over the years, many buildings in the square have needed repair, but Durbar square maintains a tradition of Nepalese architecture and is ranked as an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Shechen Monastery

A Tibetan Buddhist monastery, Shechen Monastery was founded in the late 17th century. Three hundred monks take care of Shechen, which is one of six mother monasteries in Nepal.

Boudhanath

Located on an ancient trade route, this place of meditation is a must-see on any spiritual journey around Kathmandu. Boudhanath is one of the largest stupa's in the world, and many Tibetan traders and merchants have offered their prayers to this land over the centuries.

Kopan Monastery

The Kopan Monastery is not far from Boudhanath and is mostly known for teaching Buddhism to foreigners. Starting in the 1970s the monastery offered a month-long meditation course in November and December. At other times throughout the year, please note that the monastery is only open to the public on Saturday.

Harati Devi Temple

The Tibetan name of the Harati Devi Temple is Swayambhunath and translates to "sublime trees." The ancient religious architecture frames a museum, library, stupa, and more; and visitors are sure to discover much about Nepalese traditions of worship at the Harati Devi Temple.

Pashupatinath Temple

You'll find the Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River. A Hindu temple, Pashupatinath has been on UNESCO's World Heritage list since 1979. If you're visiting in February or March, check out the Maha Shivaratri festival, which more than 70,000 people celebrate at this temple.

Lumbini

A historical site in the tradition of Buddhism, Lumbini is where Queen Mayadevi is said to have given birth to Siddartha Gautama in BC 623. Immerse yourself in monasteries here, as Lumbini is in a monastic zone, in which hotels or restaurants cannot be legally built nearby.

Planning Your Kathmandu Visit

How to Get Around Kathmandu?

The easiest way to get around short distances is by hiring a bicycle rickshaw. You can also hire a taxi or rent a bike. Make sure to negotiate fares at the beginning of your journey.

When to go to Kathmandu?

The best time to go to Kathmandu is October through November as the sun shines the most often. During the summer your plans are likely to get rained out--it's monsoon season. The second best time to visit is February through May, when winter is over but the rain has not yet begun.

What to Eat in Kathmandu?

Many say Kathmandu has the most varied cuisine available in Asia. While you're in Nepal, be sure to sample some local fare. We recommend you try daal (lentil soup), with bhat (rice), or a vegetable curry. Another staple is a Momo, which is a Tibetan style dumpling that uses Nepali spices.

Good to Know

Language

Nepali

Currency

Nepalese Rupee (Rs)

Time Zone

UTC (+05:45)

Country Code

+977

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Kathmandu is in the fall. You'll find the best weather Kathmandu has to offer, with comfortable temperatures in the 70s.

Other Sightseeing Options in Kathmandu

What People Are Saying About Kathmandu

Reliable Transfer service from Kathmandu

I booked this transfer service from the UK as I was unsure what to expect on arrival in Kathmandu.
My bag did not arrive on the flight so I was delayed by well over an hour to sort out the paperwork. Despite this my driver was there waiting for me.
I know now that I paid a little over the odds for the service but it was comforting to have someone waiting for me on arrival. Will use the service again just for the assurance.

Steady climbingof stone steps was challenging but very rewarding.

After a brief stay in bustling Kathmandu I was happy to leave the city in company of my Sherpa and driver and head for the small village where my Sherpa and I would start our trek. We immediately set off up a fairly steep concrete path but were soon climbing stone steps up the side of a steep hill. I was glad that Sherpa was carrying the luggage so I could concentrate on the climb. We soon passed a beautiful waterfall as we moved upwards, surrounded by green forest and music of chirping insects. Each time I got to the top of the steps I found there was more heading off at an angle. We continued upwards, passing through Shivapuri National Park, lots of trees with small rural villages in clearings surrounded by rice paddies where villagers tended to their crops, rice, maize, potatoes and millet. I got an excellent picture of rural life in Nepal, of subsistence living and the devastation caused by the earthquakes in 2015 and the real need for support, a very profound experience.

Extreme Excitement in the middle of Heaven

One of the best experiences I've ever been through
It was 3 Hours of huge fun and excitement, beautiful river with challenging rapids, surrounded by the beauty of green nature.
The organizers also were very professional, and they prepared us a nice tasty lunch at the break .. I would love to repeat this one in a more challenging place.
Definitely would recommend this one for people looking for Adventures

Very nice guide, very interesting tour! :)

The female guide i had was very friendly and sympathetic and she not only told me a lot about nepal, kathmandu and the different religions and gods, but also answered all my questions about the private life as a nepali and even went to the market with me as i wanted to buy some traditional nepali shoes and bargained with the shop owner for me. so all in all it was a very very nice experience, i had a lot of fun, THANK YOU!!! :)))